Richard Luscombe Argyle Community Trust, Ginsters, and Fareshare South West welcomed the incredible Pledge 35 volunteers to Manadon Sports and Community Hub. The event was to mark an astonishing 5,000 hours dedicated to tackling food poverty in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.
To date, over 200 volunteers have selflessly given up their time to support the community through Pledge 35, Project 35’s volunteering initiative that invites the Green Army and local community to commit 35 hours of volunteering to tackling poverty. The event was held to recognise and celebrate their unwavering support with an evening of presentations, pasties, and live music from local acoustic rock covers band – Three’s Company.
Project 35, our award-winning social impact initiative in partnership with Ginsters, aims to combat poverty in Devon and Cornwall through fundraising, social outreach, food donations, education, and charity support.
Research and conversations with partner charities identified a critical shortfall in volunteers in the food poverty sector. In response to a call for support from the Green Army, Pledge 35 volunteers showed their commitment to those in need at our fan food and Christmas hamper appeals, community larder, and by assisting food redistribution charity FareShare South West.
As the region’s biggest food charity, FareShare South West saves food from going to waste and redistributes it to charities, schools, and community groups to share with those most in need.
Lucy Bearn, FareShare South West’s CEO said: “It’s a travesty that so many local people are living with food insecurity, not knowing where the next meal is coming from.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the volunteers from Project 35 for their commitment, enthusiasm, and generosity. Last month, our Plymouth warehouse delivered a remarkable 66 tonnes of food across the region – the equivalent of 157,143 meals – and that’s all thanks to our amazing volunteers.
“This 5,000-hour milestone is testament to the fact that so many have stayed with us far beyond that original 35 hour commitment. Thank you all for giving your time, energy and passion.”
Trust Community Programmes Manager Alice Young adds: “The dedication and enthusiasm of our Pledge 35 volunteers is outstanding. The success of this project wouldn’t have been possible without their support.
“Several of our volunteers have exceeded their 35 hours, reaching an astonishing 300 individual hours plus in some cases.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of them for their invaluable contributions. We are looking forward to continuing to work with our fabulous volunteers in year three.”
Project 35 would not be possible without the continued and committed support from Ginsters.
Debbie Moss, Ginsters’ Brand Communications Co-ordinator, said: “Over the past two years, we’ve had the privilege of getting to know the incredible Pledge 35 Volunteers. Their enthusiasm and passion for Project 35 is evident in every action, as they generously dedicate their time to uplifting and supporting their local communities.
“Surpassing 5,000 hours of volunteering is truly impressive and celebrating this remarkable milestone was a wonderful opportunity. It was an honour to share an evening of appreciation that was so fittingly deserved.
“Without this team of selfless individuals and the support of Argyle Community Trust, Project 35 would not be the success it is today. Ginsters eagerly look forward to working alongside them all again in Year three.”
Featured on Argyle shirts since 2022, the success of Project 35 reflects the unique partnership with Argyle and Ginsters, and the dedication of the Green Army.
Argyle Chairman, Simon Hallett, said: “Argyle Community Trust is committed to serving the disadvantaged and underserved in our communities. A key part of enabling it to achieve its mission is the work done by Project 35. The project could not have been such a success without our volunteers, who have worked so well with our friends at FareShare Southwest and numerous community initiatives across the region.
“It is remarkable that you have given over 5,000 hours of your time to helping those in need in our community. All at Argyle thank you for your generosity!”
Click here to find out more about Project 35.
As we enter the third year of this exciting and life changing project, support our fight against food poverty by signing up to become a Pledge 35 volunteer here
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